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Meeting with Philip Nobel at RANEPA

November 2, the meeting with Philip Nobel, heir of famous Nobel dynasty, took place at RANEPA. He told the audience about the history of his family, shared his childhood memory and his view on the current state of education.

The Nobels and Russia has been closely connected over a long period of time. The Nobel family came from Sweden where in the 19th century so-called business climate left much to be desired, therefore, the whole country was enveloped by the wave of emigration. A part of the businessmen of those times set off for America in search of a better life, the other one left Sweden for Russia. Emanuel Nobel, a Swedish engineer, was among those people heading for Russia, he specialized in munitions production: cannons, gun-carriage etc. He engaged his elder sons Alfred and Ludvig in the family business. It was thriving, Nobel`s company got lots of orders. Then Emanuel with his family went to Azerbaijan and stroke oil fields there and launched the process of distribution of black gold to the global market. Moreover, fortune followed the family in another field: Alfred Nobel invented dynamite and the company started production of various explosives including depth bombs.

Prosperity of the gun business prompted Alfred to think that his family had to place themselves another record. That is why he set up famous prize, which is given, among other things, for contribution to strengthening of the world peace.

After a while, the Nobels had to leave Russia but liaison with Russia has not been cut till the present day. Particularly, Philip noted: “I was brought up with Russian literature. I adore Russian classics, Pushkin in particular, and it is a pity that I have to read his masterpieces in translation”. Philip`s daughter currently studies at Saint Petersburg State University. He hopes he will be able to visit Russia more often since his new position allows him to do so.